LimitedDodge

-Front grills
-Cars with front scoops or vettes side brake cooling ducts that have plastic trim
-The trim along windshield wiper area ( usually has fins)
-Numerous areas in engine bay (hoses, accordion intake piping, tight spots)
-Interior vents and some other tight spots usually around change holder/cup/ash tray area
- Door jambs

Not me, just have them delivered to my office!

HAHA. A new neighbor who moved in a few weeks back did something similar - came over mid detail and said:

"Those buffers things will really screw up your paint. My buddy owns a body shop and showed me that they cause all kinds of scratches"
 
To the guys defense he had no idea who I was or what I do for a living when he walked over.... when I showed him my paint he pretty much soiled himself at which point I made him swear to never listen to his 'buddy' again in matters of paint care and restoration. I'll be polishing out his Porsche Cayenne in a couple of weeks LOL

Picked up this bright red monster yesterday. 2012 Super Crew with the 6.2L. Was a single owner truck and only had 21,xxx on the clock. Fully loaded with all the options I wanted -
 
Heated/Cooled Seat
Dual Zone Climate Controls
Front/Rear View Camera
Navigation with SYNC
Sunroof
Sliding rear window
 
Just driving it home yesterday and to the office this morning has already got me smiling from ear to ear - its just a monster plain and simple! Rides fantastic on the streets and I may or maynot have ripped it thru a few open fields so far to test the offroad capabilities
 

 
Interior was pretty much spotless - gave it a quick TID wipe down and leather conditioner treatment yesterday. Over the next few days I'll be doing a full paint correction and detail. Still debating if it gets the most current coating prototype - we'll see. I'll update the thread as the detail progresses.
 

watch all the way to the end.... you'll be happy you did.

Not replacing anything... and I cannot tell you guys enough about how much I love this product!

So over the weekend I did a Lexus GX 460. It wasn’t in terrible shape but did have numerous scratches and paint rubs. His wife closed the garage door on the rear spoiler and caused some scratches and paint transfer marks. Vehicle had about 50,000 miles on it and only been waxed 2 times since buying it brand new.  It is parked in a garage at work and at home. Also doesn’t get driven about 3 months or so out of the year while he vacations in Florida.
All Adams products were used to complete the detail:
Exterior:
Cleaned wheels with Deep Wheel Cleaner and All Pupose Cleaner
Washed with Adam's Shampoo and 2 Professional Wash Pad
Dried with the Blaster Sidekick and Great White Drying Towel
Clayed with Adam's Clay Bar (I still have old version) and Detail Spray over entire vehicle including glass and wheels
Dressed on plastic/trim/wheels with SVRT using a Block Sponge and Tire Dressing Applicator
Spot corrected scratches and paint transfer with Focus Pads and the old Swirl and Haze Remover and Fine Machine Polish (Waiting to run out before getting the New 2 Step System)
Polished entire vehicle with the Flex Polisher and Orange and White Pads using the old polishes
Put a layer of Machine Super Sealant using the PC and a Waxing/Sealant Pad
The following morning I put on a layer of Brillant Glaze then topped it off with Americana Premium Wax onto all painted surface and wheels. Applied both the glaze and the wax using  Americana Applicator.
All product removal was done using Double Soft Microfiber
Applied Glass Sealant to all windows
Interior:
Cleaned all plastic and leather surfaces with Leather and Interior Cleaner
Conditioned all plastic and leather surfaces with Leather and Interior Conditioner
Cleaned all glass with Adam's Glass Cleaner and Adam's Glass Towel
Engine :
Cleaned all surface with Adam's Shampoo and assortment of brushes
Dressed all plastic with SVRT using a Block Sponge
Used In & Out for all the nooks and crannies
Took me roughly 9hrs with 2 small kids and wife with walking pneumonia.
On to the pics and thanks for looking
 
 

I have one and love the size. I usually palm the "head" of the brush instead of grabbing the handle. Since the handle is so short I don't have to worry about banging it onto places I don't want when being aggressive.

SInce I started testing coatings, both unique formulations and stuff sold by other companies, this isnt' true for all of them. The big guys the Opt and CP are living up to the claims for sure. The smaller outfits though - theres a lot of hype that isn't delivered on. One very popular option (that I won't name) was applied and I was able to completely diminish the beading properties of it in 3 washes by using nothing more than APC concentrate mixed in soap. The label of course claimed YEARS of durability. Others that claim self cleaning proved to do no better at repelling grime than a basic poly sealant.
 
My point is this - the coatings market has some legit players, then theres a lot of guys relying on smoke, mirrors, and consumer ignorance to capture market share. Heres the funny part - in the world of coatings there primary raw material (polysilazane) only comes from a limited source. The newer versions that promise more gloss cut that with resins. In a dumbed down way more resin = more gloss, but less durability. What you should be looking for in a coating (IMHO) is out and out durability since it can be topped with more traditional LSP's for the asthetic aspects.
 
What is truly exciting is whats on the horizon, legitimate self healing coatings that can be wire brushed and level themselves out in just moments. The catch - they require a full clean downdraft paint booth, professional paint spraying equipment, and cost thousands of dollars to have applied. Not exactly technology that people will be using at home.
 
The current generation of stuff is becoming more and more user friendly, what needs to happen is more consumer education as to what a coating can actually do. There are far too many claims that are just baseless out there and too much hype by guys who don't know any better. If/when we finalize a coating product the goal will be to set REALISTIC expectations for what the product does - not a bunch of outlandish promises.
 
Is a coating really a product everyone needs? IMO no. I wouldn't ever apply one to my C/10... doesn't make sense. Would I use one on my daily driver thats parked outside 24/7? Absolutely. Theres viability for use on wheels for most people, but not entire cars for everyone. We'll delve more into it as we work towards a solution of our own.

I was getting tired of chasing him him around the web anyway
Glad you brought the bum in from the cold!

Today, we let the cat out of the bag.  The Shine Doc is in, and Dylan holds an honorary Ph.D in OCD detailing!  He dialed in our product line and upgraded our detailing system since 2008, and manifested multiple product and process improvements....at all times.
 
Dylan's attention to detail, his process of measuring perfection, and his pursuit of a flawless finish has earned him an incredibly positive reputation in this company, and industry.  Our company suffered without him.
 
Adam's is way better, and more complete with Dylan on our team, and it feels FANTASTIC having him back.
 
Welcome back my friend, and I'm honored to be on the same team again!
 
-Adam

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone... it feels good to be back at it and I've got some cool stuff planned, of course I'll be here talking with all of you daily.

When I heard that Dylan was dismissed from SCG, I called him immediately, and invited him to lunch.  We immediately offered to bring him back, as he was a pivotal part of the growth that we experienced while he was on our team.  Let's face it, Dylan rocks, and we would love to have him back!
 
He is looking at several options currently, and will be making a decision that is best for his family, and bank account! SEMA is next week, and he has multiple offers and meetings.
 
We did part ways on good terms, and would love to have Dylan on our team again.......
 
Go Dylan, and no matter what, we support him and his family!

I know some of you have probably heard, DvK is back on the free agent market. Oh how sweet a reunion would be!! Make it happen Adam, bury the hatchet
 
This place would go nuts lol!!!

Yeah I would certainly be doing some heavy drinking. They seem to be exhibiting some very childish type attitude. Certainly can understand why you would want to sell it at times. If and when it ever gets finished it is going to be sweet ride. Apparently it's going to be problems to the very end. I have a great love for a Chevelle but not sure I would survive through this build.

After saving for a little over 5yrs I purchased a 2011 6spd GS in March. The paint was pretty hammered. The car had some cheesy chrome trim around the marker and reverse lights. Also had some chrome along the rear diffuser and chrome corvette letters on the bumper. Had a terrible Tint job (2 piece on rear window). 3 Wheels had some bad curb rash. It wasn't exactly what I had wanted but I was able to purchase it for a really good price.
 
Exterior
I immediately removed all the cheesy chrome trim and replaced the wheels with Identical factory wheels. I then removed the tint and had all the windows re tinted including front windshield. Replaced side marker lights with matching painted ghosted led marker lights. Replaced tail lights with led lights. Tinted all rear lights (brake light and reverse lights) on the car. Installed carbon fiber like vinyl to the emblems. Plastidipped the chrome grandsport emblems on the side of the car. Painted brake calipers black. Going for the blacked out look, but still a fan of chrome wheels.
 
Interior
Installed new stereo with sub/amp front and rear cameras for parking, mats (front and rear), wrapped some pieces in carbon fiber vinyl, custom bass knob (matches factory ac knobs), shift knob, leather shift boot, leather padded center console lid, heads up display, led lighting, mild to wild switch.
 
As far as the paint:
I used Flex for big areas, porter cable and 4" pads for smaller spaces and my drill with 4" pads for deeper scratches.
 
-Washed with Adam's Car Shampoo and two Adams Wash Pads
-Adam's Clay Bar while washing (wash a panel then clayed with soap)
-Adam's Polish's (still using the older formulas) - Used orange and white microfiber pads and finished with a white foam pad.
-Applied Americana to all painted surfaces - love this stuff
-Applied Quick Sealant to wheels
-Adam's Brilliant Glaze to all paint and wheels - used a hex grip applicator
-Adams glass sealant to the windows
-Adam's Super VRT on all trim/seals and wheels - Use pro tire applicator on tires and blocks cut to shape for trim
- Adam's In & Out on front and side grills/scoops
-Adam's Metal Polish 1 & 2 on the exhaust tips
- Final wipe down with Detail spray and Single Soft towels
 
Interior:
-Cleaned all surfaces with Adams Leather and Interior Cleaner
-Adam's Leather Conditioner  on seats, center arm rest, and shift boot
-Adam's glass cleaner and towels on windows
-Total Interior Detailer on All Plastic surfaces
- Cleaned some spilled coke out of passenger carpet after removing seats with Adams Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
 
Didn't take but a few before pictures so majority of these are after pics.
 
Pictures of Car at Dealership

 
Paint was jacked (can't believe I bought a car in this shape)

 

 
A few after pictures of being detailed and some cosmetic changes.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Interior After Pics - Have changed a few things and have more planned
 

 

 

 

After saving for a little over 5yrs I purchased a 2011 6spd GS in March. The paint was pretty hammered. The car had some cheesy chrome trim around the marker and reverse lights. Also had some chrome along the rear diffuser and chrome corvette letters on the bumper. Had a terrible Tint job (2 piece on rear window). 3 Wheels had some bad curb rash. It wasn't exactly what I had wanted but I was able to purchase it for a really good price.
 
Exterior
I immediately removed all the cheesy chrome trim and replaced the wheels with Identical factory wheels. I then removed the tint and had all the windows re tinted including front windshield. Replaced side marker lights with matching painted ghosted led marker lights. Replaced tail lights with led lights. Tinted all rear lights (brake light and reverse lights) on the car. Installed carbon fiber like vinyl to the emblems. Plastidipped the chrome grandsport emblems on the side of the car. Painted brake calipers black. Going for the blacked out look, but still a fan of chrome wheels.
 
Interior
Installed new stereo with sub/amp front and rear cameras for parking, mats (front and rear), wrapped some pieces in carbon fiber vinyl, custom bass knob (matches factory ac knobs), shift knob, leather shift boot, leather padded center console lid, heads up display, led lighting, mild to wild switch.
 
As far as the paint:
I used Flex for big areas, porter cable and 4" pads for smaller spaces and my drill with 4" pads for deeper scratches.
 
-Washed with Adam's Car Shampoo and two Adams Wash Pads
-Adam's Clay Bar while washing (wash a panel then clayed with soap)
-Adam's Polish's (still using the older formulas) - Used orange and white microfiber pads and finished with a white foam pad.
-Applied Americana to all painted surfaces - love this stuff
-Applied Quick Sealant to wheels
-Adam's Brilliant Glaze to all paint and wheels - used a hex grip applicator
-Adams glass sealant to the windows
-Adam's Super VRT on all trim/seals and wheels - Use pro tire applicator on tires and blocks cut to shape for trim
- Adam's In & Out on front and side grills/scoops
-Adam's Metal Polish 1 & 2 on the exhaust tips
- Final wipe down with Detail spray and Single Soft towels
 
Interior:
-Cleaned all surfaces with Adams Leather and Interior Cleaner
-Adam's Leather Conditioner  on seats, center arm rest, and shift boot
-Adam's glass cleaner and towels on windows
-Total Interior Detailer on All Plastic surfaces
- Cleaned some spilled coke out of passenger carpet after removing seats with Adams Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
 
Didn't take but a few before pictures so majority of these are after pics.
 
Pictures of Car at Dealership

 
Paint was jacked (can't believe I bought a car in this shape)

 

 
A few after pictures of being detailed and some cosmetic changes.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Interior After Pics - Have changed a few things and have more planned
 

 

 

 

Great looking Vette!  I'm really glad you didn't go for the black wheels thing. That's so overdone these days. Car looks real good.

Why can't people just be honest?  If something where to happen to one of my tools personally I would fix it myself.  I buy my tools from Adams to support the business as they have always treated me the customer fair.  The schematics to all the tools are available on line and parts are easy to come by.  Society now days wants something for nothing, which is where I have a problem.  Sorry guys, but sometimes I have a hard time biting my tongue.

wow...great looking vette.  I love the looks and thank you for not blacking it out!!  the chrome rims look great on it

Nice C6!  Looks really good.  Good to know you are making it 'yours' and to your taste.  That is the fun part!
 
Well you bought it with the finish hammered like that cuz you knew you could fix it with Adam's!

Here's a side pic of the hood before I detailed the car on Saturday...  I didn't resize it.  I'll post the rest of my pics in the Cars section. 
 

I plan on taking more pictures this weekend after the car has a fresh detail.   
 
I'll take various angles and underhood shots.  I haven't given it the full inspection yet, but it appears to fit nicely - seems to go with the body, no unusual gaps or differing heights.  The hood required holes to be cut in it in order to close (hooks/struts next to the bumpers near the windshield).  It took the shop about an hour to do it. 
 
I was browsing the corvette forums and saw a picture of the hood and really liked how it looks.  I ordered it back in July.  It took longer than expected (through no fault of the vendor), but was well worth the wait. 
 
Now I'm debating keeping the stock hood since I know most buyers prefer the clean stock look...  and I also have a nice Z06 hood liner that I can't use.  First world problems. 

The saying goes if you don't want cracks in your concrete then leave it on the truck. Well that is the saying my concrete man is always telling me. Control joints are usually scored into fresh concrete or sawn into concrete to help control where it cracks (theoretically you want it to crack in those joints).

Sorry, thanks, and yes!  The USA clay is certainly better in the moderate and cooler temps than it is in the summer.  We are working now with the manufacturer, and should have a 'year-round bar' by the next year, hopefully before temps spike north of 80 degrees.
 
I have been using a process when claying, if I can do it in the shade, or with clean water:  Instead of drying the vehicle, mist it down with diluted Rinseless Wash, Waterless Wash, or Detail Spray.  Then, I clay the entire vehicle before drying.
 
That keeps the bar much cooler, and makes claying quicker, while using less chemical as a lubricant.
 
My $0.02.